Explore the best culinary tours in Semarang that serve a variety of delicious dishes, from specialties to tempting local snacks.
Semarang, the capital of Central Java, is known not only for its rich history but also for its diverse culinary choices.
Located on the north coast of Java Island, this city offers a variety of foods that reflect a blend of cultures, both traditional and modern, as well as mouth-watering cuisine.
Semarang has a wealth of food that can be enjoyed at street stalls, elegant restaurants, and traditional markets. If you visit this city, here are 10 Culinary Tourism spots in Semarang that you must try.
1. Lontong Tahu Gimbal Pak Sadi
One of Semarang’s most famous culinary specialties is Lontong Tahu Gimbal, which is a dish of lontong with tofu and served with peanut sauce. Tahu gimbal is fried tofu doused with thick peanut sauce, then combined with lontong, bean sprouts, and boiled eggs.
Lontong Tahu Gimbal Pak Sadi, located on Jalan Kedungmundu, is a very popular place among the people of Semarang. The savory and spicy peanut sauce, along with the chewy rice cake, makes this dish so unique and hard to resist.
Additionally, this place is also known for its large portions and affordable prices, making it a perfect choice for lunch.
2. Sonal Tripe Fried Rice
For fried rice lovers, Nasi Goreng Babat Sonal is a must-visit. Located on Jalan Mataram, this place serves fried rice with the main ingredient of tender and rich beef tripe. The tripe is cooked with special spices that give it a savory, spicy, and slightly sweet taste.
The tripe fried rice here is served with a fried egg on top, making it even more tempting. In addition to tripe fried rice, another menu that is no less delicious is Seafood Fried Rice which is also in great demand by visitors. This place is a favorite for those who want a different fried rice dish than usual.
3. Pak Eddy’s Petis Tofu & Kopyok Noodles
Semarang has a variety of foods that use petis as the main ingredient, and Tahu Petis & Mie Kopyok Pak Eddy is one of the best places to try the dish.
Located on Jalan Kalibanteng, this stall is famous for its savory Tahu Petis, where fried tofu is combined with sweet and slightly spicy shrimp petis. In addition, they also serve Mie Kopyok, noodles served with tofu, tempeh, and vegetables, then doused with delicious broth.
These two dishes are Semarang culinary delights that should not be missed, because of their distinctive taste and refreshing sensation on the tongue.
4. Kwetiau Siram & Mixed Rice Semarang
This eatery serves a variety of mouth-watering kwetiau and mixed rice. Kwetiau Siram & Nasi Campur Semarang is located on Jalan Tawang and is already well-known among local and out-of -town tourists.
The kwetiau served here has a chewy and savory texture, cooked with various ingredients such as chicken, seafood, and vegetables.
Apart from kwetiau, they also serve mixed rice which consists of white rice served with various side dishes such as chicken, tripe, and sate lilit, with the addition of spicy chili sauce which further enhances the taste.
This place is perfect for those of you who are looking for typical culinary delights with a strong and varied blend of flavors.
5. Semarang Bangkong Soto
Soto Semarang Bangkong is one of the most famous places to taste Semarang’s signature soto. This soto uses a fresh clear broth with the main ingredient of chicken or beef that is boiled for a long time until tender.
As a complement, this soto is served with ketupat or white rice, as well as additional chili sauce and lime juice which give a fresh and spicy taste.
Located on Jalan Bangkong, this stall has become a legend in Semarang, with a taste that has not changed since it first opened. If you want to feel a warm and fresh sensation, Soto Semarang Bangkong is the right choice.
6. Gudeg Semarang by Ms. Lis
Semarang also has a variation of Gudeg Semarang that is different from the typical gudeg of Yogyakarta. Gudeg Semarang Mbak Lis is a very famous place to enjoy the typical gudeg of this city.
Gudeg here is served with free-range chicken, eggs, and spicy krecek chili sauce. The gudeg served is drier and not too sweet like gudeg Yogyakarta, but still rich in flavor.
This eatery is located on Jalan Candi Baru, and is one of the favorites of local residents who want to taste a more savory gudeg. If you are a fan of gudeg, make sure to try this unique dish while in Semarang.
7. Gajah Mada Rice Noodles
One of the legendary places in Semarang is Lontong Mie Gajah Mada, which serves a very distinctive lontong mie dish. Located on Jalan Gajah Mada, this stall is already well-known among local visitors and tourists.
Lontong mie here is served with a rich sauce, chewy noodles, and soft lontong. Added with chicken or beef, as well as vegetable complements and spicy peanut sauce, makes this dish even more delicious.
This food is perfect for those of you who like a combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in one dish.
8. Bakmi Naga Restaurant
If you want to enjoy Chinese cuisine, Bakmi Naga Resto is the perfect choice. This restaurant is located on Jalan Pemuda and offers a variety of noodles, both fried and soupy.
The noodles served here have a soft and savory texture, and are combined with various complementary ingredients such as chicken, beef, or seafood.
Apart from noodles, they also offer a variety of dim sum and other delicious Chinese specialties. This restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere and is suitable for dining with family or friends.
9. Roti Bakar 88
If you are looking for a sweet or savory snack in Semarang, Roti Bakar 88 is a must-visit. Located on Jalan Pandanaran, Roti Bakar 88 serves a variety of toast with various mouth-watering toppings, such as cheese, chocolate, sausage, and jam.
The toast served here has a crunchy texture on the outside and soft on the inside, and is perfectly grilled. You can enjoy this toast with a refreshing drink, making it a delicious snack, especially at night.
10. Semawis Market
Pasar Semawis is a night market located in the Kampung Semawis area, a place famous for its traditional snacks and Semarang cuisine. In this market, visitors can taste various delicious dishes, from tahu gimbal, chicken satay, sego babat, to pindang serani.
Pasar Semawis is also known for its lively and colorful atmosphere, making it an ideal place to enjoy authentic street food. Every night, this market is crowded with tourists and Semarang residents who want to taste traditional dishes at affordable prices.
Semarang is a city rich in delicious cuisine, from mouth-watering local dishes to flavorful market snacks. From the legendary Lontong Tahu Gimbal Pak Sadi, to the mouth-watering Tahu Petis & Mie Kopyok Pak Eddy, Semarang has a variety of culinary options worth trying.
Don’t forget to visit Surabaya North Quay and taste the tempting local cuisine. The city also offers a variety of traditional culinary experiences that are rich in taste and history.
In addition to enjoying local dishes in Semarang, don’t miss the chance to savor Typical Solo Food, known for its unique flavors and traditional recipes, such as Nasi Liwet, Serabi, and Tengkleng.
With many culinary choices in Semarang and Solo, your vacation will be even more memorable and unforgettable.
